Dettori yet to learn Derby fate as manager says jockey will not be clear until Friday

Frankie Dettori could still return to action at Epsom on Friday after a day of slow progress to break the impasse on his stalled return.

The 42-year-old jockey spent Tuesday with his legal representative Christoper Stewart Moore at the France-Galop HQ in Paris.

While clearance for a comeback has not yet been given, the Italian’s team hope that it may finally be forthcoming on Thursday, allowing a return the following day.

The final clearance depends on three final test results proving clear.

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Unclear: Frankie Dettori's hopes of riding in the Oaks and Derby are hanging in the balance

Dettori has re-submitted himself for
testing after an ‘irregularity’ came to light in a series of screening
tests carried out on the Italian last month by the French as he prepared
to come back from a six-month ban for testing positive to cocaine.

So far he two of those tests have come back clear.

Dettori’s agent Ray Cochrane has a
clutch of rides lined up for Epsom on Friday and the chance of a ride in
Saturday’s Investec Derby has still not completely evaporated.

Peter Burrell, Dettori’s manager,
said: ‘There is still a chance that Frankie could be back on Friday if
all the owners and trainers are prepared to put up with a late
confirmation.

‘It is not definite but we are hopeful all the processes will happen. It is a bit of a dash against the clock.’

Delayed: Dettori¿s stalled comeback has resulted from an unexplained test ¿irregularity¿ last month

Dettorii has been cleared by the
testers at the BHA, which has been waiting for final approval from
France before issuing his licence.

It has been reported that France Galop have now accepted ‘the explanation for the previous test discrepancy.’

BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: ‘We
have been in contact with France Galop, who have informed us that they
are not in a position to provide any further information at present.’

France-Galop adopt medical confidentiality rules which prevent them from giving out details of the Dettori case.

Joyeuse, a half-sister to Frankel, looked to earn her Royal Ascot ticket with a three-and-a-quarter length debut success at Lingfield.

The Sir Henry Cecil-trained daughter of Oasis Dream, who was ridden by Tom Queally, quickened smartly after hitting the front.

Victory: Joyeuse recorded an impressive debut win by more than three lengths at Lingfield on Tuesday

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to
owner Khaled Abdullah, said: ‘With a filly like this you are always a
bit apprehensive because the amount of expectation is so enormous.

‘We've talked about the Albany Stakes but we'll have to see when she gets back home.’